Study in Italy

Semester Program in Rome

Study in Rome, “la città eternal,” home to more than 2,000 years of history and culture. This UD semester program is hosted by John Cabot University (JCU), an accredited, degree-granting liberal arts institution enrolling over 800 students originating from across the U.S. and the world. JCU’s location in the quiet and non-touristy Trastevere neighborhood not far from the Vatican and the banks of the Tiber make it ideally situated for students wishing to live and learn amidst a unique blend of the ancient and the contemporary.

John Cabot’s facilities include the Guarini campus with its patio and courtyard, whose entry gate dates from the third century, and the newly-renovated Tiber campus, just a five-minute walk away. Both contain classrooms and offices and are equipped with wireless internet. JCU offers an array of services similar to those of a small U.S.-based campus and to which UD students have access, including student clubs, sports activities, library, cultural and social events, counseling services, and a residence life staff.

Courses are taught by JCU’s approximately 100 international faculty, many of whom were educated in the U.S. Instructional methods and grading are based on the U.S. system. Some of the courses include out-of-class experiences around Rome to take advantage of the city’s historic and artistic resources, which may require an additional fee. Many of these courses are taught in English.

Students are housed in double rooms in furnished, JCU-leased apartments with other JCU students. All apartments include a washing machine, kitchen utensils, and bedding. JCU apartments are situated amid apartments occupied by Italians, providing a perfect opportunity for meaningful contact with locals.

Winter Program in Siena

Siena, with its medieval character remarkably well-preserved, blends a rich cultural tradition with the ambiance of modern life. The city’s narrow streets and quaint alleys lead to striking views of history, art, and folklore. Siena’s location in central Tuscany is very convenient for excursions to Florence, Pisa, and Rome.

Upon its arrival in Rome, the group spends several days in a 4 star hotel next to the majesty of the Coliseum. They visit the historical landmarks, such as the Roman Forum, the Vatican Museum, the enchanting Fontana di Trevi, and the baroque Piazza di Navona with its three renowned fountains.

From Roma the group takes a two-days excursion to three cities: the famous and the ancient Pompeii, once covered by the ashes of the volcanic mount Vesuvio; Naples, with its breathtaking view of the gulf, the beautiful castles, the archeological museum, monuments and the lively streets, with shops everywhere for an enjoyable strolls; and Caserta, with the splendor of the Royal Palace and the most beautiful park in Europe with its wealth of vegetation and abundance of waters, statues, and prospects. An excursion to Assisi is also planned.

During the stay in Siena a two-day excursion to Florence and three days excursion to Venice will be made on weekends. In both cities the students will stay in four-star hotels. In Florence they will visit the Uffizi Galleria where much of Italian art is preserved. While in Venice they admire the Byzantine mosaics of the S. Marco Basilica, the Doge Palace and a glass factory.

In Siena students reside either singly or in pairs in private Italian homes. Bedding and linen are provided, as well as breakfast and dinner daily. Students will be given an allowance for lunch during the four day school week.

Summer Program in Sorrento

Study Italian language and culture in the seaside resort of Sorrento, one of the most spectacular cities in the scenic region of Campania. Sorrento, a town of about 12,000 inhabitants, is famous for its picturesque views, beaches, ceramics, inlaid wood work and attracts visitors from around the world. The main objective of this program is to offer students an environment in which they can continue to acquire and improve their Italian in a truly communicative way, utilizing their skills with native Italians and with local families who will be providing housing.

Courses will be taught by accompanying UD faculty as well as local instructors, and will involve significant interaction with the daily life of the locals. Following its arrival in Italy, the group will proceed to its primary stay on the southern coast of the Campania region. The program includes excursions to nearby famous sites such as Naples, Capri, Caserta and Pompeii. Visits to art and archeological museums, historical landmarks, natural parks, and religious sites will round out the program. Because Sorrento is very active in the arts and cultural traditions, students will have many opportunities to expand their academic experience. For the last few days of the program, the group will visit the Eternal City of Rome.

During their stay in Sorrento, students will have the opportunity to travel on their own, during the extended weekend, and explore other sites not visited by the group.

In Sorrento, students will live with local families, who will provide breakfast and dinner daily. The host families will also provide bedding and linens. In addition, meals will be provided on some of the group’s excursions.

“As an ‘Investigative Coordinator and Linguist/ my days are filled with interviewing individuals from Russia and the former Soviet Union, translating and interpreting, and absorbing the world of diplomacy. My experiences in UD’s Russian program have helped me get to where I am today.”